(Since I kept describing all my friends — to make things easier — they now have nicknames! Horray!)
After forgetting flowers for 2 months in a handmade press Sequoia made for me, these are the beautiful results:
They're from Celestite’s bridal shower - so these flowers will remind me of her. I’ll also think of Sequoia because without them I wouldn't have the chance to have these in the first place.
Dawn immediately told me to post my photos on Substack, and the following poem is what I thought paired with them best.
My love is a flower
Testing the soil
Fearing a drought despite it’s health
Until it's finally reassured of its care
Blooming from patience and gentle hands
Only then, will it grow
And radiate beautiful colors from its center
My love is
Intense in its sweetness
Soft as a whisper - a petal on your skin
Returning the sunlight it's given
My old roots were parched
I was a fleeting fascination
My petals echoed the stars
But I wasn't bright enough
I know my worth
So I sealed myself away
My petals pressed
Until the pain dried out
Leaving faded colors behind
But beautiful all the same
It’s tucked away now
To remember that love
But not mourn it anymore
I'm ready
To give a clipping to someone new
A small offering
But it will be theirs alone
I’m ready to flourish
In a love that roots deep into the Earth
Never-wilting